Universal Studios Florida: What Do We Think About It?

[Jake S]

I think the problem with The Simpsons has as much (more?) to do with its aging ride system than anything else. I could certainly see a world where they negotiate an extension, but both of these rides are past their expiration date.

 

[TheCodeMan95]

I think the problem with The Simpsons has as much (more?) to do with its aging ride system than anything else. I could certainly see a world where they negotiate an extension, but both of these rides are past their expiration date.

Yeah, I'd at least like to see maybe an update for the projections and maybe some rebuilds for the ride vehicles if that happens.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

I think the problem with The Simpsons has as much (more?) to do with its aging ride system than anything else. I could certainly see a world where they negotiate an extension, but both of these rides are past their expiration date.

I can see a world where Springfield stays, but the ride itself is removed and combined with BoH areas for a full new land.

Unless Disney sees some sort of advantage to bringing the IP to their parks at a similar level, it doesn't hurt to have cash come in through licensing and revenue deals.

 

[TheUniC6]

This is kinda what I was getting at when I said I think there's a possibility they come to a deal to extend the Simpsons rights.

Disney is pretty tied up for at least the next 5 years, and I don't think they'd fast track anything for The Simpsons in front of what has already been announced.

Anything is possible, so I could totally see them extending the rights to 2030/2031 to buy a bit more time. (Hopefully that would at least come with some kind of refresh/refurb for the ride)

If Disney does a Simpsons land at DHS, it would probably be included in the second half of the ten year parks, which I expect the slate to be announced at D23 2028 at the earliest. TBH the IP at this phase in its existence warrants a 4-5 acre land max with a single headlining ride.

Considering the state of the Simpsons ride system, I don't see them wanting to pour a ton of money into it.

Unless Disney sees some sort of advantage to bringing the IP to their parks at a similar level, it doesn't hurt to have cash come in through licensing and revenue deals.

At the very minimum, my gut tells me Simpsons will almost certainly be getting meet n greets at DHS.

 

[belloq87]

Springfield needs to go. Soon.

 

[saint.piss]

Springfield needs to go. Soon.

 

[Crypt Keeper]

Springfield needs to go. Soon.

I can see a world where Springfield stays, but the ride itself is removed and combined with BoH areas for a full new land.

I dunno man, this sounds pretty ideal to me...

 

[TheCodeMan95]

I dunno man, this sounds pretty ideal to me...

Any world where I can keep Duff Gardens and Bumblebee Man Tacos is a world that I want to live in

 

[UniversalRBLX]

I wonder, if Mardi Gras and Rock the Universe concerts are still found to be critical for USF's attendance... couldn't they just setup a temporary stage back by the queue space for the newer HHN sprungs? Really no need to keep Music Plaza stage for 20-25 concerts a year.

I mention this here since I'd like to know if people still find the concerts a necessary component of Mardi Gras. I think the event has expanded beyond that, and the incremental attendance gained from one is minimal.

 

[Mad Dog]

I wonder, if Mardi Gras and Rock the Universe concerts are still found to be critical for USF's attendance... couldn't they just setup a temporary stage back by the queue space for the newer HHN sprungs? Really no need to keep Music Plaza stage for 20-25 concerts a year.

I mention this here since I'd like to know if people still find the concerts a necessary component of Mardi Gras. I think the event has expanded beyond that, and the incremental attendance gained from one is minimal.

Seems like that is wasted space in a valuable section of the park. They can keep the concerts, but move them to the former Fear Factor stage. Then, there's the added value of moving that concert guest congestion to the back of the park. Music Plaza stage is perfect for an expansion of the popular DM/Minions, and would add a lot of value to the park's entrance aesthetics.

 

[SeventyOne]

Any world where I can keep Duff Gardens and Bumblebee Man Tacos is a world that I want to live in

Allow me to introduce you to Earl the Beer-Brewing Squirrel and Lil' Boos' Tacos...

I mention this here since I'd like to know if people still find the concerts a necessary component of Mardi Gras. I think the event has expanded beyond that, and the incremental attendance gained from one is minimal.

Huge lines for after 5 tickets, the rare nights outside HHN opening weekend the park goes close to capacity, I don't think the concerts go anywhere. (And FFL doesn't seem to have nearly the capacity of the Bone Yard + surrounding pathways, so I don't think that's an option.)

Plus they use the stage for small but big $$/big prestige events (Maroon 5 event, Fallon shows...).

 

[UniversalRBLX]

Universal just announced an attendance decline for their parks in Q4 of last year (Oct-Dec).

Revenue kept flat from improved performance of International parks. Hoping this signals a massive improvement program for the existing parks.

Edit: No confirmation on their attendance decline, but if it's anywhere near a 3% decline, USF's attendance would be at the 2015 level.

 

[Mad Dog]

Universal just announced an attendance decline for their parks in Q4 of last year (Oct-Dec).

Revenue kept flat from improved performance of International parks. Hoping this signals a massive improvement program for the existing parks.

I had heard that mgt. expected a decline at Orlando for the quarter due to delayed reservations for Epic in 2025. Hotel reservations were rumored to be down 10 to 20%, for fourth quarter 2024 and first quarter 2025. That said, attendance has now been flat, or down, at Orlando for seven consecutive quarters. So that kind of signals there are issues. Both parks need some new stuff, and that's probably been delayed due to the massive Epic construction. I'd guess Universal expects Epic to spur interest in IOA and Studios. I have the reverse 'opinion'. I think those parks will do OK during the busy attendance weeks, but will suffer during the slow and moderate seasons. What would probably help to alleviate an attendance drop would be new D/E ticket attractions. But, even if they start in 2025, that'll take a couple years. Myself, I don't mind an attendance drop. Universal parks operate so much better at 8 to 9 million attendance per park. Their operations really suffer, and they don't have the capacity, to handle 10 to 12 million attendances.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

I had heard that mgt. expected a decline at Orlando for the quarter due to delayed reservations for Epic in 2025. Hotel reservations were rumored to be down 10 to 20%, for fourth quarter 2024 and first quarter 2025. That said, attendance has now been flat, or down, at Orlando for seven consecutive quarters. So that kind of signals there are issues. Both parks need some new stuff, and that's probably been delayed due to the massive Epic construction. I'd guess Universal expects Epic to spur interest in IOA and Studios. I have the reverse 'opinion'. I think those parks will do OK during the busy attendance weeks, but will suffer during the slow and moderate seasons. What would probably help to alleviate an attendance drop would be new D/E ticket attractions. But, even if they start in 2025, that'll take a couple years. Myself, I don't mind an attendance drop. Universal parks operate so much better at 8 to 9 million attendance per park. Their operations really suffer, and they don't have the capacity, to handle 10 to 12 million attendances.

Can't agree more. Q4 is a strong period for the parks with Halloween, Thanksgiving and Holidays. If Universal needs to spur attendance, I think solid family-friendly additions need to be on their slate for USF and IOA. While I love the Rockit replacement project, they need a boost of family friendly experiences that can generate interest for generations.

On the ops piece, I really hope both of us are wrong as I have yet to see any evidence of improving. (I'm really hoping this changes in the next few months on the leadup to Epic's final prep).

 

[Mad Dog]

Can't agree more. Q4 is a strong period for the parks with Halloween, Thanksgiving and Holidays. If Universal needs to spur attendance, I think solid family-friendly additions need to be on their slate for USF and IOA. While I love the Rockit replacement project, they need a boost of family friendly experiences that can generate interest for generations.

On the ops piece, I really hope both of us are wrong as I have yet to see any evidence of improving. (I'm really hoping this changes in the next few months on the leadup to Epic's final prep).

Ops at IOA and Studios might be a challenge for a bit since rumor is that a high percentage of the best TM's have, and will be, transferred to Epic. I'm sure long run will be OK as the new TM's get some experience, but there might be a lot of short term issues. I'll be patient with the TM's since I'm sympathetic to a learning curve. I remember how uncomfortable the parks were in late 2021 and 2022 when the attendance boomed and the crowds were too large for the capacity. I'll be happy with less crowded parks at IOA and Studios if that scenario occurs. Epic will probably be busy most of the time, especially weekends and holiday seasons. Weekdays during slow season might be comfortable at Epic, hopefully.....And yes. family friendly D and E tickets for new attractions. The recent spate of E ticket coasters are fine attractions, but a lot of guests can't, and won't, ride coasters. So after the RRR replacement Universal needs to go in a different direction with the next new attractions. The family attractions they've added recently are mostly just C and B ticket stuff......Looking at the entire 4th quarter Comcast business report: Fortunately, Comcast had , overall, a very good quarter. Their only weakness was the theme parks. And the drop off in attendance domestically probably was significant, since revenue was down domestically even considering prices increased at all segments of the operation and the international parks did OK helping bring up the revenue bottom line.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

If you can't handle significant motion or thrills, you're only options at USF are: Minions, Villains-Con, Fallon*, F&F: Supercharged, Horror Makeup, ET Adventure, DreamWorks Imagination Celebration, Bourne Stuntacular, and Animal Actors. Outside ET & Horror Makeup, none of these are enough to convince family members for a repeat visit.

IOA is even worse, with only Skull Island and the Seuss attractions (+Popeye if you don't mind getting wet). No additional attractions or entertainment offerings for non-thrill seekers.

I get that Universal had to carve a niche with thrill-seekers/young-adults in the past to get attendance up, but if they want to truly go up attendance-wise they'll need significant improvements focused for the entire family.

 

[SeventyOne]

I had heard that mgt. expected a decline at Orlando for the quarter due to delayed reservations for Epic in 2025. Hotel reservations were rumored to be down 10 to 20%, for fourth quarter 2024 and first quarter 2025.

WDW hotel occupancy bottomed out before Christmas, so I don't think it's a UOR/EU specific issue.

 

[DrStarlander]

I get that Universal had to carve a niche with thrill-seekers/young-adults in the past to get attendance up, but if they want to truly go up attendance-wise they'll need significant improvements focused for the entire family.

Exactly. Universal Creative is so impressive, and I have no doubt if their leadership challenges them to "re-invent" family attractions -- stuff on par with Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, its a small world -- they could find a way to take this genre to the next level and create new industry classics. Those are the kinds of attractions that will make the parks feel well-rounded and appeal to the parents and grandparents who can pay for vacations.

 

[FlattestMatt]

Does the attendance decline from Oct-Dec include hhn? Or is it just regular ticket sales?

 

[Mad Dog]

Does the attendance decline from Oct-Dec include hhn? Or is it just regular ticket sales?

The fourth quarter report includes all revenue from Oct. 1 to the end of December. Comcast's statement just referred to attendance overall and didn't break it down by category. They generally don't give specific attendance numbers, just a real broad based statement.